August 13, 1949 - January 5, 2014

Obituary

Richard “Dick” Teske

Janesville, WI

Richard “Dick” Teske age 64 died unexpectedly on Sunday January 5, 2014 in Battle Creek, MI. He was born August 13, 1949 to Donald H. and Betty (Klecan) Teske in South Haven, MI. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School, class of 1967. Dick married Dianne Stritof on November 7, 1970. He married Katheleen Meisel on September 29, 1990 in Beloit. Dick worked in his family’s business: Don’s Lawn and Garden Care Inc. and then started his own landscape and irrigation business in April of 1990. In 2005, he started truck driving and continued to run the family business part time. Most recently, he was driving for AG Trucking. His driving took him from California to Canada and to the East Coast. Dick enjoyed John Wayne movies, was an avid reader, especially Tom Clancy & Clive Cussler novels.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Teske; his daughters, Stacy (Erik) Smith of Denver, CO, Trisha (Drew) Campbell of Mesa, AZ, Samantha & Alison Teske of Janesville; grandchildren, Britney, Trevor & Megan Campbell of Mesa, AZ; his father, Don Teske, his brother Mark Teske and his sister Carol Teske all of Janesville; his father in law Alvin Meisel of Beloit; great aunt Dottie Grant of Grand Ledge, MI; nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother, Betty and his sister Susan Schultz.

Dick’s Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 11, 2014 in the BRIAN G. MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit with Ryan Meisel officiating. Friends will be received on Friday in the Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Please share a memory or a condolence with the Teske family on our website.

Condolences

18 Responses to Richard “Dick” Teske

Kathy, Sam, Ali, Stacy, Trisha and family, I am so sorry for your loss. So hard to believe such a vibrant man will not be returning home. I’ve known Dick my whole life. As a child, he lived 2 doors away from my Grandparents on Prairie Avenue. We had so much fun climbing the sand piles and swimming in the ponds and then having to pick the bloodsuckers off our legs when we were done. As adults we continued our friendship and had a wonderful business relationship. He knows how to put in a great irrigation system. And our wonderful conversations……we could talk for hours, and sometimes we did. He will be missed!

- Vickie Hanson

Kathy,Sam and Ali ~ My heart breaks for all of you. Please know that you are in my constant thoughts and prayers in the difficult and sad days ahead. Hold onto the special memories you have of you husband/father. I will be unable to attend the visitation/funeral, but I want you to know that I will be with all of you in spirit. (Hugs) With Deepest Sympathy ~ Judy Stoney

- Judy Stoney

Our deepest sympathy to Dick’s family and friends at this difficult time. He and my brother Jim Johnson were good friends in school – Dick was at our house often in those days. May God grant His comfort to you all in the days ahead.

I am very sad for the loss of my uncle. He was a great mentor and a very loving man. Family was always important to him, it is a legacy that we, who knew him personally, will always treasure and pass down through our children. We love and miss you but we also know the Lord calls his children home when he wants them, even though we do not want to let them go. Grandma and Aunt Sue will have him playing Skip-bo soon.. God bless.. My beloved cousins, Uncle Mark, Mom (Carol), and Grandpa, please know much love and prayers are sent your way, Shelly and Aaron

- Shelly and Aaron Morgan

All our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are being sent your way. We are so sorry for your loss of a really fantastic guy. I’ve always enjoyed talking with him and he had raised amazing children. What a great representation of all his love and the life he and Kathe shared. Talk of him often. It certainly does help to relive the memories you have of loved ones.
Love,
Jen, Kristin, Grant and Colton

- Jennifer Munson

Dick was the kind of guy that even though you may just meet him, it seemed like you knew him for a long time. Kathy and the girls are just the same. all very kind souls, that deserve the best. Dick may be gone, but I’m sure he will watch over you always. We are all blessed to have known him.

- Dan Blair

Aunt Kathy, special thoughts and prayers are sent your way. It is hard to know what to say to a loved one who has lost their husband and best friend. Life will change dramatically and it will hurt for a long time. You are surrounded with a loving family and friends to hold you up and help ease your aching heart. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. Remember to look to the Lord, he is there as a great shoulder to lean on and listens to our prayers, much love sent your way.

- Shelly and Aaron Morgan

To all of the Teske family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Dick and Diane lived near us when the girls were little and we used to watch each others children. Stacy and Trisha spent a lot of time with our girls. Lots of good memories of time spent with the Teske family. May your memories comfort you in the days to come. Mike and Peggy Empereur

- Margaret Empereur

So Sorry for you and the girls Kathy, My deepest sympathy

- Gloria trail

Don and Mark, Mom and I were so sorry to learn of the death of Dick. We didn’t know him personally but we know you well over the years. Please accept our deepest sympathy and God bless the family.

Sharon and Marjorie Ferwerda

- Sharon K. Ferwerda

My thought’s are with you! Still remember going to school and church with Dick. John Walrath.

- John Walrath

We just loved Mr. Teske. We first met on a rather humorous situation. We had a tree in our front yard that I just hated. I felt the tree was just too big and crowded the yard. My husband and I argued and argued about removing it.
So one day, I just decided to do it. I called the tree removal company and they came out and removed the tree. Well, about 10 minutes into this ordeal we had a geiser of water in our front yard. The man says, lady you didn’t tell me you had an underground sprinkler system.
Well, I panicked. I ran to the phone book and called landscapers. I got a few voice messages but on the 3rd try, I got an actual human being.
I was rambling and panicking that my husband was going to kill me. I had never done anything like this in the past and the kind man just listened. He said, when do you want it fixed?
I said, by 6pm today. There was a long pause and then a giggle. I said will you do it?
He said “lady, I must be nuts, but I will. I want to come over and see if you are a blonde!”
I burst out laughing and screamed Thank you, thank you, thank you.
He arrived at the house. I opened the door, we both smiled and laughed and from then on I was known sweetly as Blondie.
He was one of those people that my husband and I developed an instant chemistry with. He and Kathy were very kind to us.
We are truly sorry for your loss. Just so sad
Lisa and Mitch Kopnick

- Lisa and Mitch Kopnick

Kathy, Sam, and Ali,
You have my sincerest condolences on the passing of Richard. No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that you have my deepest sympathies with you during this difficult time. Bless you all.

- Colleen Brownstetter

Kathy and Family,
So sad to hear of Dick”s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you. I will always remember his kind heart and great sense of humor. So many fun times with NEBA. He will be in your heart forever so hold his memory and love tight. Sincerest sympathy, Roma & Ron York

- Roma York

To the Teske Family:

So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time.

I’ve run into Dick on special occasions here and there and he always had a story to tell and a smile on his face when we talked. The last time I saw him was at a Frito-Lay picnic and he seemed so happy and proud of his wife Kathy and all his children. Showing me pictures of all his girls. Which two of them I use to babysit. You could tell he felt truly blessed.

Please accept my condolences and know that the Teske family will always have a special place in my heart.

- Cathy (Brannon) Files

Kathy, Don and Family,
My sincere sympathies for your loss of Dick. I enjoyed working with him at the bank (first Heritage, then M&I) over the many years. He always made us laugh with his humor.
Take good care and remember all those wonderful memories!

Deb

- Deb McCool-Cloute

Kathy and girls, I just heard about Dick. Im so sorry for your loss. Sue and Bob Oleston